Germany
Munich
Germany
Munich
Updated Mar 10, 2025
Overview
Munich blends traditional Bavarian culture with cosmopolitan sophistication. From the iconic Marienplatz with its glockenspiel to the sprawling English Garden, the city offers a mix of history and urban green spaces. Dive into world-class museums, savor hearty cuisine in cozy beer halls, and explore hidden gems like the Asamkirche. Don't miss the vibrant Viktualienmarkt food market or a stroll through the bohemian Schwabing district. Munich's proximity to the Alps also makes it a perfect base for day trips to fairytale castles and pristine lakes.
Best time to visit. Visit Munich in late September to early October for Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival. For milder weather and fewer crowds, aim for May to June or September to October. Winter brings charming Christmas markets and nearby skiing opportunities.
City stats
Population
1,488,202
Land area
119 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
1158 CE
Official langauge
German
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Bavaria
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
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Quick links
How to get there
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Cities within 8 hours
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Breakfast and brunch
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Where to stay for work trips
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Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
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Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F - 28°F | 34°F - 22°F | Cloudy | 7:58 am | 4:46 pm | 9 days 1.9 in | 8 days 6.6 in | 7 mph |
| February | 42°F - 29°F | 38°F - 24°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:23 am | 5:33 pm | 7 days 1.6 in | 6 days 5.7 in | 7 mph |
| March | 51°F - 35°F | 48°F - 31°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:27 am | 6:17 pm | 9 days 2.0 in | 3 days 2.5 in | 9 mph |
| April | 59°F - 41°F | 57°F - 38°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:25 am | 7:01 pm | 10 days 2.3 in | 1 days 0.5 in | 7 mph |
| May | 68°F - 49°F | 67°F - 47°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:38 am | 7:43 pm | 11 days 3.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 73°F - 54°F | 73°F - 53°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:14 am | 8:14 pm | 12 days 4.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 77°F - 58°F | 77°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:33 am | 8:09 pm | 12 days 4.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 76°F - 57°F | 76°F - 56°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:14 am | 7:31 pm | 11 days 3.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 69°F - 51°F | 68°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:57 am | 6:35 pm | 9 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 59°F - 44°F | 57°F - 41°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:42 am | 5:36 pm | 8 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.1 in | 7 mph |
| November | 47°F - 35°F | 43°F - 30°F | Cloudy | 7:27 am | 4:45 pm | 8 days 2.1 in | 3 days 2.7 in | 7 mph |
| December | 40°F - 30°F | 36°F - 25°F | Cloudy | 8:00 am | 4:23 pm | 9 days 2.1 in | 7 days 6.0 in | 7 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Germans celebrate the start of the new year with fireworks, parties, and toasts. | Avoid travel; most places closed. | ||
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter Sunday | Christian holiday commemorating Jesus' crucifixion. Many Germans attend church. | Limited services; plan accordingly. | ||
| Easter Sunday | First Sunday after first full moon of spring | Christians celebrate Jesus' resurrection. Families gather for meals and egg hunts. | Family-oriented; some closures. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Public holiday extending Easter celebrations. Many enjoy outdoor activities. | Extended holiday; plan for closures. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Workers' rights celebration with parades and demonstrations across Germany. | Expect closures and demonstrations. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension to heaven. Often a long weekend. | Long weekend; some services limited. | ||
| Whit Monday | 50 days after Easter | Christian holiday celebrating the Holy Spirit. Many enjoy outdoor activities. | Public holiday; plan for closures. | ||
| Corpus Christi | 60 days after Easter | Catholic celebration of the Eucharist. Public holiday in some German states. | Regional holiday; check local impact. | ||
| Day of German Unity | October 3 | Commemorates German reunification in 1990. Celebrations across the country. | National holiday; expect closures. | ||
| Reformation Day | October 31 | Protestant holiday marking Martin Luther's Reformation. Regional observance. | Regional holiday; minor disruptions. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Catholic holiday honoring saints. Public holiday in some German states. | Regional holiday; check local impact. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Main Christmas celebration in Germany. Families gather for dinner and gifts. | Evening closures; festive atmosphere. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Public holiday celebrating Christmas. Quiet day for family gatherings. | Avoid travel; widespread closures. | ||
| Second Christmas Day | December 26 | Extension of Christmas celebrations. Many visit family or enjoy leisure. | Public holiday; limited services. | ||
| New Year's Eve | December 31 | Celebrations marking the end of the year. Fireworks and parties nationwide. | Festive but busy; early closures. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fasching | January - February (culminating on Shrove Tuesday) | Munich's carnival season with parades, parties, and masked balls. Celebrates indulgence before Lent. | Fun atmosphere, but expect crowds. | ||
| Starkbierzeit | March - April | Strong Beer Festival celebrating potent Lenten brews. Features beer tastings and traditional music. | Great for beer lovers, manageable crowds. | ||
| Frühlingsfest | Late April - Early May | Spring Festival with beer tents, fairground rides, and traditional Bavarian entertainment. | Enjoyable spring atmosphere, less crowded than Oktoberfest. | ||
| Kocherlball | Third Sunday in July | Traditional early morning dance at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden. Celebrates old servant customs. | Unique cultural experience, minimal disruption. | ||
| Auer Dult | Late April, Late July, and Mid-October | Traditional market fair held three times a year. Features goods, food, and amusement rides. | Lively local atmosphere, minimal impact on travel. | ||
| Oktoberfest | Late September - Early October | World's largest beer festival and funfair. Celebrates Bavarian culture with beer, food, and music. | Iconic event, but expect huge crowds and high prices. | ||
| Tollwood Winter Festival | Late November - December 31 | Cultural festival with art exhibitions, live music, circus performances, and an organic Christmas market. | Festive atmosphere, good for holiday visitors. | ||
| Munich Christmas Markets | Late November - December 24 | Traditional Christmas markets throughout the city. Features handcrafts, food, and mulled wine. | Charming holiday experience, but expect crowds. |
1 | Germans value punctuality. Arrive on time for appointments and reservations. Being late is considered rude and disrespectful. Plan ahead and allow extra time for transportation. |
2 | Learn basic German phrases like 'Bitte' (please) and 'Danke' (thank you). Locals appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak their language, even if it's just a few words. |
3 | Shops and businesses are often closed on Sundays. Plan ahead for groceries and shopping needs. Some restaurants and tourist attractions may remain open, but hours can be limited. |
4 | Recycling is taken seriously. Follow local recycling guidelines in your accommodation. Separate glass, paper, and plastic. Look for designated bins in public areas to dispose of waste properly. |
5 | Cash is king in Germany. Many small businesses and restaurants don't accept credit cards. Always carry some cash with you, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas. |
6 | Public transportation is efficient and widely used. Buy and validate your ticket before boarding trains or buses. Riding without a valid ticket can result in hefty fines. |
7 | Greet people formally unless invited to use first names. Use 'Herr' for men and 'Frau' for women, followed by their surname. Wait for Germans to initiate a more casual form of address. |
8 | Respect quiet hours, known as 'Ruhezeit'. Avoid loud noises in residential areas between 10 PM and 6 AM, and on Sundays and holidays. This includes loud conversations and music. |
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